Description
Wes Montgomery – California Dreaming – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
By the mid-1960s, Wes Montgomery had already earned a reputation as one of the most innovative jazz guitarists of his generation. With California Dreaming, released in 1967, Montgomery moved further into the smoother, orchestral side of jazz that helped bring his music to a broader audience. The album blends his distinctive guitar style with lush arrangements that reflect the pop and easy-listening sounds popular at the time.
Produced by Creed Taylor and arranged by Don Sebesky, the record surrounds Montgomery’s warm guitar tone with strings, horns, and carefully layered studio orchestration. The approach gives the music a polished, cinematic feel, placing Montgomery’s melodic playing at the center while the orchestra provides a rich backdrop.
The album’s title track, a reinterpretation of The Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’,” sets the tone. Montgomery’s guitar carries the melody with his signature thumb-picked style, producing a smooth, rounded sound that flows effortlessly over the orchestral arrangement. Rather than focusing on fast improvisation, the performance highlights his ability to shape melodies with subtle phrasing and emotional nuance.
Throughout the album, Montgomery interprets well-known pop songs and standards of the era. These selections allowed his music to reach listeners beyond traditional jazz audiences while still showcasing the lyrical quality of his playing. His guitar lines glide through the arrangements with remarkable clarity, even as the orchestra adds layers of harmony and texture.
Montgomery’s playing style remains instantly recognizable. Using his thumb instead of a pick, he produced a soft but full tone that became one of the defining sounds of jazz guitar. His solos often build gradually, moving from simple melodic statements to more intricate passages before resolving with a sense of calm elegance.
While some jazz purists preferred Montgomery’s earlier, more straight-ahead recordings, albums like California Dreaming played a significant role in expanding his popularity. The combination of accessible song choices and polished production introduced his guitar artistry to a much wider audience.
Today, California Dreaming stands as an example of Montgomery’s versatility. It shows how a deeply rooted jazz musician could adapt to the musical trends of the late 1960s while still maintaining the expressive, melodic playing that made him one of the most respected guitarists in jazz history.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
California Dreaming
Sun Down
Oh You Crazy Moon
More, More, Amor
Without You
Winds Of Barcelona
Sunny
Green Peppers
Mr. Walker
South Of The Border
